South Korea is no stranger to forest fires, with hundreds of wildfires typically ravaging up to 4000 hectares of forest per annum. In order to raise awareness of the causes and effects of forest fire and the need for prevention, forest fire campaigns by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Seoul Branch are consistently held in prone areas.

To mark ‘World Environment Day,’ a global annual commemoration that raises awareness of the gravity of environmental issues and encourages action, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Seoul Branch held an environmental campaign at the entrance of Suraksan Mountain hiking trail on the 5th June.

In this campaign, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Seoul Branch focused on raising citizens’ awareness of forest fire prevention through a carbon neutrality campaign, forest fire common sense quiz, guidance on the ecosystem recovery period in forest fire-stricken areas, promotion of forest fire prevention rules, activities to prohibit the possession of flammable materials, a display of various upcycling products to show real-life examples of resource recycling, and several experiential booths.

Visitor Sang-jung Kim (80, male, Nowon district) emphasised, “It is a small action, but it is absolutely necessary for our children and future generations,” and “Environmental protection should not be a one-time thing, but should be continuous.”

An official from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Seoul Branch said, “One person’s small actions can be the starting point for protecting the Earth.”

Meanwhile, the forest fire prevention campaign is held as part of the ‘Green Nature’ campaign, whose ultimate goal is to preserve a beautiful natural environment for posterity through wetland conservation activities, environmental cleanups that protect major facilities and cultural assets, disaster recovery activities, public awareness campaigns for environmental protection, and the creation of flower paths in waste dumping areas.